Banning Dragon

Just what century is NZQA in when it does not allow the use of assistive technology in NCEA exams? Schools are required to overcome barriers to success for learning disabled students and to provide access to resources they need, including technology aids. Why is the same not required of NZQA?

The good fortune of my dyslexic grandson is that Ka¯ piti College responsibly supports dyslexic students to use the specialist computer programme Dragon. This overcomes specific problems with reading, writing and spelling and ensures students can express their thinking, learning and knowledge without the barrier of dyslexia.

My grandson’s ill fortune is that as he approaches his first NCEA exams he discovers that NZQA ensures he is thwarted in success by not allowing this disability aid — use of Dragon in exams. Most students dread exams. Imagine facing them without the very support system they have worked successfully with throughout the year. Dyslexia doesn’t suddenly go away because it is exam time. Use of Reader/writer or the use of a computer is allowed, but not the specialist assistive programme that overcomes the dyslexics specific cluster of difficulties and as such is a poor runner up in efficacy. There seems no evident reasoning behind this NZQA directive as the resource is there and it is permission that is sought not funding.

It is unfavourable treatment of students with dyslexia. The Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability requires that “effective individualised support”. HEATHER CHAMBERS

WAIKANAE